Clean Energy Transition in India: Need, Challenges & Way Ahead

April 22, celebrated as International Mother Earth Day, serves as a global reminder of humanity’s responsibility to live in harmony with nature. Despite growing awareness, environmental degradation, unsustainable consumption, and fossil fuel dependence continue to threaten planetary health.
In this scenario, clean energy emerges as a transformative solution for securing the Earth’s future and fulfilling intergenerational equity.

India’s Status in Clean Energy

India ranks 4^th globally in total renewable energy installed capacity, reaching 191 GW as of May 2024, comprising ~81 GW solar, 46 GW of wind, and 64 GW from a combination of hydro & biomass.
India aims to achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity and ensure a 50% renewable share in the electricity mix by 2030, with a long-term commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. (UNFCCC, COP26 Declaration).

Need to Shift Toward Clean Energy

Ensuring Energy Security: India imports 80% of its crude oil & 50% of its coal, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Clean energy can lessen this dependency & enhance strategic autonomy.
Catalysing Jobs & Green Growth: The Economic Survey 2022–23 states that India’s renewable energy sector can create 3.5 million jobs by 2030, enabling a just energy transition.
Fulfilling Climate Commitments: India pledged to reduce 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2070, reinforcing its leadership in climate diplomacy under Paris Agreement.
Safeguarding Public Health: Fossil fuel pollution contributes to over 1.7 million premature deaths annually in India. Clean energy will significantly reduce the disease burden and healthcare costs.
Accelerating Renewable Energy Growth: India’s renewable energy capacity has reached 191 GW as of May 2024, with an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Challenges in India’s Clean Energy Transition

Land Acquisition and Community Resistance: Projects frequently encounter opposition due to land conflicts, particularly in ecologically sensitive and tribal regions.
Grid Integration and Infrastructure Deficits: Intermittency of solar and wind power stresses the national grid, and storage and forecasting solutions remain nascent.
Financing Constraints: India needs $400 billion in clean energy investments by 2030.
Dependence on Imports for Critical Materials: India significantly depends on China and the DRC for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
Lack of Recycling Framework: India does not have a robust e-waste policy for solar panels and batteries. By 2050, it will be the fourth-largest producer of solar panel waste.
Socio–economic Transition for Coal-dependent Regions: States like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh face job losses and economic disruption due to their dependence on coal mining.

Key Government Initiatives: Driving the Clean Energy Transition

Initiative	Objective
National Solar Mission	Promote large-scale solar deployment and reduce the cost of solar power.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana	Provide free electricity (up to 300 units/month) to 1 crore households through rooftop solar installations.
National Green Hydrogen Mission	Facilitate the production and export of green hydrogen to decarbonize heavy industries and transport.
FAME India Scheme – Phase II	Accelerate adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and strengthen EV charging infrastructure.
Green Energy Corridor (Phase II)	Develop dedicated transmission lines to integrate and distribute renewable energy efficiently.
PLI Scheme for Solar PV Modules	Offer ₹24,000 crore in incentives to promote domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules.
Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)	Achieve 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025 to reduce crude oil imports and support the agricultural economy.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)	Lead a global platform of tropical nations to enhance cooperation in solar energy deployment and financing.

Way Forward: Powering India through Clean Energy

Land-Use Innovation: Utilise the 35 GW potential of floating solar on reservoirs and canals, and promote agrivoltaics for dual land use.
Just Transition and Green Skills: Launch a “Green Collar Mission” to reskill 1 million coal-dependent workers by 2030.
Decentralized Solar Expansion: Scale rooftop solar to 40 GW under PM Surya Ghar and implement peer-to-peer energy trading pilots.
Domestic Manufacturing and R&D: Expand the PLI scheme to cover storage systems and electrolyzers; boost R&D in next-gen clean technologies.
Energy Storage and Grid Modernisation: Target 50 GW of battery storage by 2030 and upgrade grid reliability through intelligent and AI-based systems.
Global Finance and Partnerships: Mobilise green finance via ISA, Quad, and G20, and establish a Sovereign Green Fund for climate infrastructure.

India’s clean energy transition is a strategic imperative, driving economic growth, job creation, and enhanced energy security. With innovative policies and global partnerships, India is poised to lead the green energy revolution, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.

Reference: Indian Express

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 185

Q. Clean energy is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic necessity for India’s energy security. Discuss in the context of net-zero commitments and policy challenges. (150 Words) (10 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write briefly about the need for clean energy and mention ambitious goals such as net-zero emissions by 2070 and 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Body: Write about clean energy as a strategic necessity for India and the policy challenges it presents.
Conclusion: Emphasis on inclusive growth and fostering innovation in clean energy solutions.